Points of interest…
- Sinclair Community College offers a nurse aide certificate in 2027.
- Only Ohio Department of Health approved programs qualify for the STNA exam.
- Dayton metro nursing assistants earn a median $20.03 per hour.
Ohio's entry-level nursing credential is the State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA), an early step toward How to Become a Nurse. Training runs a 75-hour minimum: classroom theory plus 16 supervised clinical hours that cannot be done online.
The real tradeoff in Dayton is speed and cost against legitimacy. Two-week fast track CNA programs and free, employer-paid training exist, but only programs on the Ohio Department of Health's approved list qualify you for the state competency exam. Median pay in the metro sits near $20 an hour, so the credential pays back fast once you pass.
CNA vs. STNA: How Nurse Aide Certification Works in Dayton
If you are searching for CNA programs in Dayton, Ohio but keep seeing the term STNA, which one do you actually need? In Ohio, they lead to the same credential. The state certifies nurse aides as State-Tested Nurse Aides (STNAs), so "CNA classes Dayton Ohio" and "STNA classes near Dayton" point you toward the exact same training and the same job.
What Ohio Requires
State-approved CNA programs in Ohio must provide at least 75 total training hours. Of those, 16 to 25 hours are supervised clinical experience, and before you begin clinicals you must finish at least 16 hours of foundational instruction. The Ohio Department of Health approves these programs. Finishing the coursework is only half the path: you also have to pass the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. Passing earns the STNA designation and places you on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, which employers check before they hire.
Where STNAs Work Locally
Around Dayton, STNAs staff hospitals within systems like Premier Health and Kettering Health, the Dayton VA Medical Center, and the region's many nursing homes and assisted living communities. Jobs extend well past the city line into Kettering, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Fairborn, Springfield, and Middletown, so commuters across the metro have options close to home.
Online and Hybrid STNA Classes: What Is Actually Online
Ohio does not offer a fully online STNA path. Classroom theory can sometimes be delivered online, but skills labs and the 16 supervised clinical hours happen in person at an approved site.
Two Dayton-area providers use a hybrid format:
- Ohio State Career Training Center (Dayton and Beavercreek): A 75-hour course over about 2½ weeks. Instruction is online, with four in-person days, two of them clinical days at an off-site nursing facility during the daytime.
- White Oaks Learning Academy: An 80-hour, 2-week program with 59 self-paced online hours, 5 hours of in-person skills lab, and 16 clinical hours at a partner facility. A traditional 75-hour in-person option is also offered.
Warren County Career Center in Lebanon, roughly 30 minutes south, also runs a hybrid course. Confirm its current hour breakdown directly, since published details differ.
Be wary of ads for "100% online STNA certification"; those courses will not make you eligible for the Ohio competency exam.
If you work, ask about clinical scheduling, not just lectures. Some clinical shifts run daytime only, so find out whether evening or weekend placements exist before you pay.
STNA Classes Near Dayton: Sinclair, 2-Week Courses, and Facility Training
Dayton's nurse aide training has shifted toward shorter, more flexible formats, but Ohio's 75-hour standard still anchors every option.
Yes, Sinclair Community College offers a nurse aide short-term certificate.1 The campus-based program has day and evening sections and is typically structured as one semester, often listed around 76.5 clock hours. Admission requires advisor approval, a MAT 0050 prerequisite, background check, health certificate, and insurance for clinicals.1 Pricing varies; one directory shows about $325, but you should confirm current tuition and clinical fees.
Within commuting distance, students usually pick one of three routes: - Community college courses: Sinclair and similar schools offer structured, semester-length training. The tradeoff is a longer timeline plus prerequisite steps. - Accelerated career-center and private classes: Programs such as Faith Nurse Aide Training (about 2 weeks) and Ohio State Career Training Center (about 2.5 weeks, hybrid) compress the required hours. The tradeoff is an intense daytime schedule and sometimes higher out-of-pocket cost compared with affordable CNA programs. - Facility-run training: Nursing homes and hospitals may cover tuition in exchange for a work commitment. The tradeoff is schedule and location tied to the employer.
Ohio requires 75 hours, typically 60 classroom and 16 clinical.2 A realistic timeline for accelerated routes is about 2 to 5 weeks of training plus a few weeks to schedule and pass the state exam, for roughly 4 to 7 weeks total. A semester route like Sinclair adds several more weeks, often 3 to 4 months from start to certification. The ranked list below includes additional options in nearby cities, such as CNA Programs in Columbus.
Related Articles
What STNA Training Really Costs in Dayton, Beyond Tuition
CNA program tuition costs in Dayton, Ohio vary widely by provider, and the add-on fees below can catch first-time students off guard. Check your program's written list before paying.
Free and Employer-Paid STNA Training in Dayton
Yes, you can often get STNA certified in Dayton without paying full tuition, but each free route has conditions.
Nursing home and employer-sponsored training
Federal rules require nursing facilities to cover or reimburse nurse aide training and testing costs when they hire an aide within 12 months of certification.1 Ohio goes further: long-term care facilities cannot make aides pay or repay training costs before, during, or after employment.2 In practice, many Dayton-area employers sponsor STNA classes and require a work commitment, commonly three to 12 months. Ask about the exact length, whether the employer pays both tuition and the state exam, and any payback clause if you leave early.
Workforce funding
OhioMeansJobs Montgomery County and WIOA can pay for training and exam fees for eligible adults, including low-income workers, dislocated workers, and veterans; there is no upper age limit.3 Start with an eligibility interview, then choose a state-approved STNA program. Some employers may also use Project Hire, which reimburses up to 50% of wages for up to six months, reducing the cost of hiring and retaining newly trained aides.
No-cost option
Dayton Job Corps Center offers tuition-free State Tested Nursing Assistant training, with residential room and board included for qualifying students.
Before you enroll, confirm any free or sponsored program appears on Ohio's approved list, as required by Ohio Revised Code Section 3721.28.
What Nursing Assistants Earn in the Dayton Metro
Nursing assistants in the Dayton metro area earn a median of $20.03 per hour, or $41,670 per year, according to May 2025 data.
Top Nursing Assistant Programs in and Near Dayton, OH
Below are the top nursing assistant programs serving Dayton students, ordered for this article's geographic focus. Each card lists the city so commuters can judge drive time, along with format and typical institutional net price. Sinclair Community College leads the list for Dayton-area students, with several Central Ohio career centers and community colleges following.
Factors considered
- First-year retention and student-to-faculty ratio
- Net price after institutional aid
- Program accreditation and state approval
- Delivery format and commuting distance
- Career pathway and program fit
Data sources
- BEA state price parities, used to adjust tuition — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Original research on individual programs
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) — nces.ed.gov
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Sinclair Community College | Dayton, OH | $4,000 – $9,000/yr (est.) | Dayton students seeking employer-linked training | |
Sinclair is the Dayton-area anchor for nurse aide training, with a 4-credit hour STNA certificate that includes 75 hours of instruction and clinical experience. In 2026, Sinclair launched Ohio's first competency-based STNA healthcare apprenticeship with LeadingAge Ohio and ApprenticeOhio, linking classroom training to paid, employer-based learning. For Dayton students who want a local pathway into long-term care and a future bridge to nursing, this program stands out.
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| #2 | Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools | Groveport, OH | $16,000/yr (est. net price) | Central Ohio commuters wanting hands-on clinicals | |
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools runs a campus-based State Tested Nurse Aide program in Groveport, about 70 miles from Dayton. The training pairs classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience, covering vital signs, patient hygiene, and medical terminology. It is a practical option for Dayton-area commuters who prefer a technical school setting over a community college.
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| #3 | Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County | Newark, OH | Newark-area students seeking state certification | ||
C-TEC of Licking County offers a Certified Nurse Aide program in Newark, roughly 80 miles east of Dayton. The campus-based curriculum includes clinical training in vital signs, infection control, and daily living assistance, and it meets Ohio certification requirements. This is a fit for students on the eastern edge of the Dayton metro who want a career-tech pathway.
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| #4 | Central Ohio Technical College | Newark, OH | $5,000 – $8,000/yr (est.) | ||
Central Ohio Technical College offers a short Basic Healthcare Skills certificate on its Newark, Knox, and Pataskala campuses. The program requires just 3.5 credit hours and 75 attendance hours, with open enrollment and a Talent Ready Grant that can cover up to $2,000 for eligible students. Dayton-area students willing to drive about 80 miles get a fast, low-credit option that leads directly to the state exam.
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| #5 | North Central State College | Mansfield, OH | $5,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
North Central State College in Mansfield, about 85 miles from Dayton, offers a six-credit State Tested Nurse Assistant Certificate. The FLEX format runs outside the standard college calendar, and the program includes CPR and first aid while counting toward a Health Services Technology associate degree. It suits students who plan to continue into allied health while earning their STNA.
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| #6 | Sandusky Career Center | Sandusky, OH | |||
Sandusky Career Center runs a 76-hour Certified Nursing Assistant program that can be completed in about three weeks. Total cost is $810 including the state exam fee, with classes held Monday through Wednesday. It is a longer drive from Dayton, but the short schedule and bundled exam cost may appeal to students who can complete an intensive block.
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| #7 | Cuyahoga Community College District | Cleveland, OH | $4,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Cuyahoga Community College offers an Ohio Department of Health approved Certified Nursing Assistant program in Cleveland, far outside the Dayton commuting zone. The non-credit workforce training includes clinical experience and may offer workforce scholarships. It is more practical as a relocation option than a daily commute.
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| #8 | ETI Technical College | Niles, OH | ~$14,000/yr (est.) | ||
ETI Technical College in Niles offers a compact nurse aide program with tuition of $850 and a payment plan. The schedule runs 10 classroom days plus two clinical days, with weekday classes. Students far from Dayton would need to verify licensure portability after training, but the low tuition and compact calendar are distinctive.
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| #9 | Columbiana County Career and Technical Center | Lisbon, OH | ~$12,000/yr (est.) | ||
Columbiana County Career and Technical Center offers an 86-clock hour Certified Nurse Assistant program in Lisbon, with day and evening options. The training includes clinical experience and meets Ohio Department of Health requirements. It is a long drive from Dayton, but the evening schedule may help students who work during the day.
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| #10 | Belmont College | St Clairsville, OH | $7,000/yr (est. net price) | ||
Belmont College in St Clairsville offers a fast-track Certified Nurses Assistant program with total upfront costs around $1,101.70, including tuition, fees, and materials. The program also serves as a prerequisite for the college's nursing programs. It is outside the Dayton commuting area, but may be a fit for students planning to relocate to eastern Ohio.
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Admission Requirements and the Ohio STNA Exam
- Meet baseline eligibilityBe at least 16 years old (commonly) and be prepared to show a photo ID and Social Security card. Some programs also expect roughly eighth-grade English skills.
- Clear health and background checksComplete a background check and a TB test or screening. Submit health documentation such as a clear physical or immunization forms as your program requests.
- Finish an approved training programComplete an Ohio-approved nurse aide training program before you can sit for the competency exam.
- Pass the knowledge examD&SDT-Headmaster administers the exam. The knowledge portion costs $26 ($36 for audio) and requires a 70% or better to pass.
- Pass the skills exam and know the retake rulesThe skills portion costs $78, or $104 for knowledge and skills together. You get three attempts within two years of training completion. If you fail one portion, you retake only that portion and repay its fee.
- Get placed on the Ohio Nurse Aide RegistryAfter passing both portions, you can be placed on the registry. Ohio has not published a current statewide pass rate for 2026.
- Compare statewide optionsSee topnursing.org/cna/programs/oh/ to compare nurse aide programs beyond the Dayton area.
Dayton STNA Questions, Answered
It depends on the sponsor. Some nursing homes, hospitals, and long-term care facilities in the Dayton area offer employer-paid STNA training, often in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Check each facility's terms, because not every program is free and some may require repayment if you leave early.
Costs vary widely by provider. Some employer-sponsored options are free or low cost, while community college and private programs charge a range that includes tuition, supplies, background checks, and exam fees. Ask each program for current, itemized costs before enrolling.
Complete paid, verifiable nursing-related work within each 24-month window: at least 7.5 consecutive hours or 8 hours within a 48-hour period.1 If you go more than 24 consecutive months without that documented work, active listing ends and you may need additional training and competency evaluation to return.1
Yes, if your out-of-state credential is active and in good standing.2 Ohio does not automatically transfer it.3 Submit a reciprocity application and home-state registry verification to the Ohio Department of Health.2 Expired, inactive, suspended, or revoked credentials are not eligible.2 Typical processing is 2 to 4 weeks.
